Wigton Methodist Church, Penrith

The Dalston Male Voice Choir under the direction of their recently appointed conductor Michael Deakin gave a concert in aid of Chrysalis in Wigton Methodist Church. The audience was large and clearly expecting great things. It was not disappointed. As always, the choir offered a wide range of musical styles, from the dignified formality of the 'Cantique de Jean Racine' to the wistfulness of 'Yesterday' and 'The Slow Train', or the traditional American folk songs 'L'il Liza' and 'I'm Gonna Walk' which were crisp and light as a vol-au-vent.

Perhaps the choir was just a touch too gentlemanly for Romberg's 'Drinking Song', a little well-bred for 'Ilkley Moor', but by the time the singers had got to 'There Is Nothing Like A Dame' they had cast all restraint aside and were as full-throated and uninhibited as any American doughboys. This choir is renowned for its beautiful pianissimo, here shown to great effect in such pieces as the lyrical 'Lily of the Valley' and 'Unchained Melody'. The effect of the second bass line, so soft, yet perfectly firm, is magical; and if the top tenors could have done with a little more weight in the opening numbers, they soon 'sang themselves in' and produced a soaring tenderness in the chorus from Verdi's 'Nabucco'.

The guest soloists were from Nelson Thomlinson School. Sarah Wolstencroft (standing in at the last minute) played a sonata for two flutes by Telemen with the schools Head of Music Rebecca Raven, and a haunting Cantilena by Poulenc. Miss Raven also accompanied Sophie Rheam who played a concerto by Vivaldi, followed with Saraband by J S Bark on recorder with dexterity and spirit. The talent and dedication of these young people were warmly appreciated by the audience.

The choir demonstrated its versatility not only by the choice of music but by singing in French (Jean Racine) and Welsh (Tydi a Roddaist) as well as English (should I add American and Yorkshire as well). A sense of humour is never far from the surface (yes, we did notice that 'Curthwaite for Thursby isn't in the original Slow Train).

The accompanist, Lorraine Gash, has been with the choir a long time, and so a remarkable rapport has developed between choir and pianist. In 'The Rose' voices and instrument seemed almost to be breathing as one. It was intensely moving.

Michael Williams, master of the throwaway wit, introduced the items, and the conductor Michael Deakin held everything together with good humour and charm. In the interval tea, coffee and delicious tray-bakes were served, and there was a stall offering goods from the Chrysalis shop. Gilda Wells a Trustee of Chrysalis was present and expressed her thanks for a delightful evening.